ERITREA: Children's Rights References in the Universal Periodic Review

I. Background

 

1. The human rights performance of the State of Eritrea was reviewed on 30 November 2009 and finally adopted in March 2010 by the Working Group under the UN Universal Periodic Review mechanism. The review attracted quite a number of States that participated in the interactive dialogue. The key human rights concerns and issues raised during the review revolved around the following: ( )general recommendations and conventions that require accession or ratification; (ii) gender equality, (iii) female genital mutilation, (iv) domestic and sexual violence against women; v) rights of the child; vi) millennium development goals; vii) poverty eradication; viii) implementation of the Eritrean constitution; ix) establishment of an independent human rights body; xii) follow up on UPR recommendations and technical assistance; x) detention conditions, torture and involuntary disappearance; xi) the right to life; xii) cooperation with the group on enforced and involuntary disappearance; and xiii) invitation to special procedures of the Human Rights Council.

 

 

IV. Key national priorities

 

(b) Effecting social justice by ascertaining universal or wide access to food security, health, education, infrastructural facilities as well as the reduction of rural/urban disparity and the construction of roads, dams, building of schools and health centers and hospitals throughout the country within the framework of balanced and even development; 

 

V. Progress on recommendations

 

A. Rights of the Child (Recommendations 25, 42, 73–78)

 

11. All human rights treaties require time for implementation and progress is generally incremental. In this context, the current report only provides an update on measures taking during the reporting period on the rights and welfare of children.

 

1. Promoting the human dignity of children

 

12. The policies and strategies of the GOE on the protection and promotion of the dignity of children emanates from the deep-rooted Eritrean culture that favours the children’s right to develop to their fullest potential, and an embedded culture that caters to their special needs.. The GOE views the family as the primary social institution crucial for the overall development of the child. During the period under review, efforts were made to:

 

(i) strengthen the family unit to provide a better environment for the growth and development of children;

(ii) empower communities to coordinate and promote good childcare and appropriate socialization practices;

(iii) create favourable grounds for orphans to remain within their communities; and

(iv) strengthen the coping mechanisms of caretaking families through income-generating support.

In short, various activities were implemented to empower families through community-based interventions such as the Community Based Reunification Program of orphans. A more detailed exposition on these aspects are found in Eritrea’s 2011 fourth periodic report for the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) as well as subsequent reports of the State of Eritrea.

 

(a) Community Based Orphan Reunification Programme

13. The Government has reintegrated orphans in extended families to enhance the provision of care and protection in a family environment. During the reporting period, over 4,646 orphans, including AIDS orphans, were integrated with their relatives. Economic support in the form of cash grants for income generating activities and school materials for children were provided to 1,565 care-taking families. During the reporting period, 45 children were placed for adoption with volunteer families. In addition, 140 orphans were accommodated in 12 group homes in order to receive the necessary social support. 343 orphans are also hosted in institutions managed by the Government and NGOs. However, the government is acutely aware of the need for greater outreach of these schemes in order to render support to more beneficiaries.

 

(b) Protection of street children

 

14. During the last three years, about 3,978 disadvantaged street children were assisted annually with school materials to pursue their education and to prevent them from drifting back into the streets. Similarly, about 3,940 disadvantaged children were provided annually with cash grants for school uniforms and textbooks. 424 children from poor families that dropped out from school were provided with various types of vocational skills training programs appropriate to their age. These include carpentry, leather works, electrical and auto mechanic skills. Each trainee was also supported with protective gears, cash allowances and insurance fees. Private and government owned enterprises are participating in these schemes. The scaling up of this initiative will require the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

 

2. Child education

 

15. The Government considers education as a fundamental human right. As such, all children, irrespective of their ethnicity, language, sex, religion, disability and other status, are entitled to mandatory educational access and opportunities. This includes refugeechildren who have access to educational opportunities in Eritrea. In this regard, the government has made the provision of free basic education compulsory for all school age children. The education system of Eritrea is directed at the promotion and development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.

 

(a) Pre-primary schooling

 

16. Pre-primary schooling is an integral part of the basic education system for children up to the age of six years. Pre-school is provided in a comprehensive and integrated learning program for two years and known as the Kindergarten and Program of Integrated Rural Community Care Services (RCCS). The pre-school curriculum emphasizes the foundations of language skills as well as the social relationships for holistic development of the child. Mother tongue is the medium of instruction at this level. The government continues to make efforts to expand access to pre-school education giving much attention to rural and remote areas. The statistical information of the Ministry of Education (MoE) indicates that total enrolment at the pre-primary education has increased by 29 percent in the academic year 2011/12 as compared to 2007/2008. The Government however, realizes that there is a lot to be done in the early childhood education.

 

(b) Elementary level education

 

17. Elementary level education comprises of grades 1–5 for children whose ages range from 7–11 years. As indicated in the educational policy of Eritrea, mother tongue is the medium of instruction at this level. The main purpose of elementary education is to give children a firm grounding in basic essential learning skills. Its general objective is to have all children complete with at least minimum learning achievement. The total Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at this level was 99 percent in 2011/2012 academic year. This represents a significant increase when compared to the academic year 2007/2008 which was 77 percent. The total net enrolment ratio was 58 percent during 2007/2008.

 

(c) Middle School Education

 

18. Middle school education is the end of the basic education cycle in the Eritrean education system. This level consists of 3 years of schooling from grades 6–8 for age groups of 11–13. English is the medium of instruction at this level. The Gross Enrolment Ratio showed modest increase from 65 percent to 68 percent from the year 2007/2008 to 2011/2012. However, the Net Enrolment Ratio (NER) increased at a higher rate than the GER which in 2007/2008 academic years stood at 39.8 percent for male and 32.2 percent for female students. In the year 2011/2012, this increased to 40 percent for male and 37 percent for female students.

 

(d) Secondary education

 

19. Secondary education prepares learners for further education and/or for the work force. Moreover, it encompasses related practical studies that are correlated with and have relevance to the individual learner’s interests and national development needs. The MoE’s essential indicators for 2011/2012 illustrate that the total GER was 34percent. This is slightly higher than the rate for the academic year 2007/2008 which stood at 32 percent. Female GER was 28 percent and 27 percent respectively for the stated time of reporting. The total NER, however, declined by one percent (from 23 to 22 percent) during the reporting period. Female NER nonetheless showed a slight increase from 19.2 percent to 19.8 percent.

 

(e) Special needs education (inclusive education)

 

20. The GOE recognizes that children with special needs deserve special attention, protection and assistance. There are three schools currently operational to cater for children with special needs. These are one government school for blind children and two non-governmental schools for the deaf. In the academic year 2011/2012, a total of 176 students enrolled in these three schools out of which 43 percent were female students. However, the Government provides support, in terms of curricula development, capacity building and other technical issues. Those who complete their education in these specialized elementary schools are routinely enrolled in the regular middle schools. Recently, the Government established twenty five pilot schools for children with special needs located across the country. These schools are equipped with basic equipment and pedagogic resource rooms where additional support is given to children with learning difficulties. Government’s long term strategy is to provide inclusive education in all schools, with the active involvement of communities.

 

(f) Complementary Elementary Education (CEE)

 

21. This program, which was initiated in the 2011/2012 academic year, caters to school- age children in rural and remote areas who were out of school for different reasons. The program is provided for children aged 9-14. Total enrollment in the academic year stood at 6,829; 65 percent were female students. This program was conducted in 68 centers in rural and remote areas of the country with the help of 581 facilitators; 18 percent were females. Those who complete the three year CEE program transfer to the next level within the regular school system.

 

(g) Physically/mentally impaired children (children with special needs)

 

22. In Eritrea, there are four associations for persons with disabilities: namely, the National Patriotic Association for the Disabled Persons, the Eritrean Association for the Blind, the Association for the Deaf and the National Association of Autism and Down Syndrome. These associations play complementary role in the improvement of the quality of life of Children with Disabilities (CWD), and in sensitizing families and communities about their special needs, including love and affection that are essential for their self-esteem.

 

3. Child labor

 

23. Eritrea acceded to the ILO Convention on the Minimum Age for Work in 1999. Domestic laws have been harmonized to conform to the principles enshrined in the (CRC). The Eritrean Labor Proclamation No.118/2001 limited minimum age for admission to employment at 14 years. The Proclamation also prohibits enforcing of contracts against people below the age of 18 years. The Government has introduced a regulation to ensure that a person below the age of 18 years cannot be engaged in an occupation that jeopardizes his/her physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. The Labor proclamation addresses many basic, work related, rights starting from hiring and firing of employees.

 

4. Administration of juvenile justice

 

24. The Government has taken modest steps to improve the protection of children in conflict with the law. It has established a probation service providing counseling and integrating children in conflict with the law into schools and neighborhoods after their release. Judicial cases for children in conflict with the law are heard in closed chambers separate from adult offenders. However, separate correctional facilities are not yet to in place. The Government provides facilities to ensure that a child who is detained or imprisoned is separated from adults in their place of detention. The Eritrean laws prohibit the use of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment against any person, including children who are detained.

 

B. Gender equality, FGM and domestic violence

 

(d) Girls’ education

 

32. Government believes that education in general and education of girls in particular is a prerequisite for sustainable social, political and economic development. In line with Government policy, the participation, retention, and achievement of girls as well as women have been a priority in the education system. Much effort has been made to bridge the gender gap in education and to enhance the quality of girls’ education. This is based on the right approach, which is in line with the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The National Union of Eritrean Women has also presented the 4th CEDAW Report during this reporting period. The focus is on enhancing girls’ education in-terms of access, quality and achievement. This is expected to contribute significantly to the achievement of the MDGs and Education for All (EFA)

Goals on girls’ education and empowering women in the long run.

 

(g) Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

 

36. This practice has been deeply rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of some communities and thus a significant number of young girls had been affected. To confront this formidable challenge, the Government outlawed this practice by Proclamation 158/2007. The Proclamation has been a milestone toward banning the practice of FGM/C. Indeed, government bodies in collaboration with other stakeholders have been intensifying anti-FGM/C campaigns. Sensitization seminars have taken place in villages and towns; not to mention the big cities that are densely populated. In addition, heavy penalty is imposed on those who perform FGM/C and their collaborators. The Government believes that these campaigns will, among others, contribute in curbing the harmful traditional practice of FGM/C. Radio, television and newspapers, as the main media outlets; conduct frequent information dissemination on the rights of the child and against the practices of early marriage as well as on harmful traditional practices. 

 

38. In the last five years, enforcement of the FGM/C legislation has been very effective thereby contributing towards the promotion of child rights. For example, 207,416 FGM related disputes were brought to the courts. One such court case is a complaint filed in Southern Zone regional court involving a priest who opposed the law prohibiting FGM. He was sued by the regional office of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW). He was found and penalized. Overall, 155 cases were penalized across the country. However, challenges still remain in addressing the unequal Zoba enforcement, migration of circumcisers, reaching nomadic populations and translating knowledge to behavioral changes.

 

(h) Domestic and sexual violence (Recommendations 55, 58–61)

 

39. The Government pursues a strict policy of zero-tolerance for sexual violence. Article 589 (2a) of the Transitional Penal Code of Eritrea (TPCE) criminalizes a person who compels or induces a child under 15 years of age to submit to sexual intercourse. This offense is punishable by rigorous imprisonment for up to 15 years. Apart from this, any other sort of sexual outrage or indecent act on a child under 15 years of age or between 15-18 years of age is penalized under Articles 594 and 595 of the TPCE.

 

40. Rape, especially involving underage children, carries a strong social stigma and is very rare in Eritrea. There has never been, however, a reported case of rape that has gone unpunished. The laws of the country explicitly protect the child against abuse and torture, including sexual exploitation. All law enforcement institutions and the public at large are morally aware and educationally sensitized of their responsibilities to protect children from any form of abuse or torture. Particular mention may be made to a case of an individual who was convicted for rape and convicted for 10 years without parole.

 

(i) Under-age marriage

 

41. Proclamation No. 1/1991 specifies that any contract of marriage made between persons below 18 years of age is null and void, and that the spouses and witnesses to such marriage shall be punishable under the Penal Code. In exceptional circumstances and with reasonable cause, however, children below 18 years may be authorized to marry provided the girl is not less than 14 and the boy is at least 16. The very exceptional process involves family arbitrators and deference to the conditions of the child with the best interest of the minor in mind. Sensitization programs have been conducted by involving community, traditional and religious leaders including children themselves to enforce this legislation and curb the practices of early marriage. For example, there are 10 cases of underage marriages which are currently being handled in our legal system; most are awaiting verdict.

 

(K). Poverty eradication and Millennium Development Goals

 

1. MDG progress and prospects

 

50. Eritrea is fully committed to the achievement of the MDGs. The country is on track with health related MDGs: MDG4 (on reducing child mortality), MDG5 (on improving maternal health) and MDG6 (on combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases). There are also indications of good progress in MDG 3 (ensuring gender equality), and 7 (ensuring environmental sustainability). However, accelerated efforts are still needed for MDGs 1(eradication of poverty and hunger) and 2 (universal access to primary education). In this regard, the GOE has made food security “a priority of priorities” and is implementing construction of micro-dams across all Zobas in an effort to enhance the livelihood of communities and to reduce and eliminate poverty and hunger.

 

(f) Child health

 

57. The Government pursues a holistic approach to improve child health that depends on the implementation of several interrelated strategies. The GOE’s overall goal with regard to child and adolescent health care is to ensure that all Eritrean children – newborns, infants, young children, school children, children out of school and adolescents – have access to good quality health care at all levels; including health facilities, schools, and communities.

 

58. Eritrea has made great strides toward reducing child mortality through a mixture of strategic interventions, including routine immunization and care through the formal health care system, community-based care (C-IMCI), and nationwide immunization and supplementation campaigns that reach over 90 percent of children. Immunization coverage for the third dose of DPT and Hepatitis B to children between 12 and 23 months stands at around 90 percent. Eritrea is certified for eliminating neonatal tetanus and for being polio free. With all of the above mentioned strengths in the immunization program, Eritrea was globally awarded by GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative) on October 17, 2009 in Hanoi Vietnam, for high and sustained immunization coverage.

 

59. MDG 4 calls for reducing under-five mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. Between 1990 and 2010, Eritrea has already reduced under-five mortality by 57.4 percent. Hence, Eritrea needs to reduce under-five mortality by only 10 percent more to achieve MDG 4 by the target year 2015. Of 69 countries identified by the United Nations 2008 ‘Global Countdown’ report as priorities for the reduction of maternal, neonatal and child mortality, only 16 were considered to be on-track in 2008. Eritrea is one of only three countries in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve this distinction.

 

(c) Right to education

 

72. The country has managed to triple the enrolment rate in primary education from a very low base. The Government has also expanded access to tertiary education by opening seven new colleges and has established a hands-on management school in the country to increase the efficiency of the Civil Service and managers of Public Enterprises.

 

3. Transforming the life of the Nomadic Communities

 

Nomadic education

 

81. To promote nomadic education, the GOE formulated the Nomadic Education Policy Framework in collaboration with nomadic communities, other ministries and bilateral and multilateral agencies. In the academic year 2011/2012, sixty five (65) schools were serving the nomadic community; ten of these were boarding schools. Total enrolment in these schools was 6,844, of which 43 percent were female students. A national consultation workshop on nomadic education was conducted to identify where exactly the problems facing the nomadic groups lie, as well as to draw appropriate strategies and implementation plans. Experiences of some neighbouring as well as other countries were shared during this workshop.

 

H. Invitation to Human Rights Special Procedures

 

I. Cooperation with Special Procedures and UN Treaty Bodies

86. Cooperate with Special Procedures and UN Treaty Bodies (CERD AND CESCR) (Recommendations 36, 37): In order faithfully discharge its international obligations, the GOE has submitted overdue reports on CEDAW and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Government has also responded to many questioners and letters from those bodies. On the issue of cooperation with Special Procedure of the Human Rights, the Government has responded positively to Communications brought by the Compliant Procedure of the Human Rights Council and to the Council itself during the 20 th and 21st Sessions. During that time, the Government has attended all the sessions. To date, the Government has attended all the Regular Sessions of the Council since the 19th Session with the objective of working closely with the Council. However, Eritrea has wrongly been targeted with politically motivated Resolutions that denigrate the ongoing efforts of the Government on promoting and protecting Human rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Eritrea believes that country specific resolutions do not serve the advancement of the noble cause of human rights. It is also a double standard and a deviation from the UPR Process that creates a forum for constructive engagement of engages for every UN Member State.

 

L. Accession to conventions

 

90. The statutory procedures for signing and ratifying the Conventions that Eritrea had not signed so far but which were discussed and accepted in the first UPR cycle were set in motion. The Steering Committee is pleased to report the government’s finalization of the internal juridical processes of approval and endorsement of all these Conventions, namely the Convention Against Torture (CAT Recommendations 1–6, 9, 10, 14, 15); the International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (Recommendations 1, 9); and the ILO Convention on Worst Forms of Child Labor (Recommendation 12). The Government has also ratified the International Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and their Immediate Families (Recommendation 16).

 

IV. Challenges, constraints, best practice and achievements

 

C. Best practice

 

96. Decisive role of the family as a social institution in the promotion and protection of human rights and innovative approaches in early childhood development. Community Based Approach to deal with all social problems in general and the approach to orphans and other vulnerable children and persons with disability is not only cost effective, sustainable but also pays attention to the needs of the individual and places him/her within own social context.

 

97. Heavily subsidized health system and free education up to tertiary level.

 

 

B. Right to life, liberty and security of the person

 

16. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea stated that political prisoners, other detainees, military deserters, “refouled” refugees, failed asylum seekers and students at Sawa were subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Detainees are particularly vulnerable to abuse, as they are held incommunicado, without legal procedures or safeguards, and access by family, doctors or lawyers is denied. Perpetrators were not prosecuted or punished, thus perpetuating a culture of impunity. 35

 

20. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea stated that the promulgation of proclamation No. 158/2007 banning female genital mutilation (FGM) or cutting and subsequent advocacy against the practice has resulted in a decrease in the practice, especially of girls under the age of 15 years, but FGM remains high. The sentence for persons found guilty of performing FGM is imprisonment for two to three years and a fine. The number of prosecutions for female genital mutilation is unknown. 44

 

21. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea stated that there were frequent allegations of rape and sexual harassment, particularly in military and educational training camps or during interrogation. 45

 

D. Right to family life

 

30. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea reported that a high number of unaccompanied children crossed the border, often without the knowledge of their families. The children referred to their dysfunctional family circumstances and the difficulties faced in child-headed households owing to the long absence of their parents, who, as soldiers, were mostly in military camps, detained or in exile. The children also cited lack of educational opportunities and fear of forced conscription into indefinite national service as the main reasons for their decision to flee. 57

 

H. Right to social security and to an adequate standard of living

 

42. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea stated that the Government of Eritrea was experiencing difficulties in meeting the Millennium Development Goal 1 target of eradicating extreme hunger and poverty. 72

 

I. Right to health

 

47. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea stated that the Government of Eritrea was making steady progress towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, respectively. United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund and UNDP are working with the Government of Eritrea to improve women’s health in an initiative targeting the reduction of the maternal mortality rate. 77

 

J. Right to education

 

49. The Human Rights Council strongly condemned the compulsory practice of all children undertaking the final year of schooling in a military training camp. 79 It called on the Government of Eritrea to end this compulsory practice. 80

 

50. The Special Rapporteur on Eritrea stated that while basic education was compulsory, free and universal, the Government of Eritrea exerted tight control over the curriculum. School children, parents and teachers alike pointed out that a yearly amount of money for school material and uniforms must be paid. It is very difficult for cash-strapped families to pay this sum at the beginning of the school year. Regional colleges, which are administered by the military and linked closely to military training and political indoctrination, are the only option for post-secondary education. Children who do not pass eighth grade are conscripted and sent for military training in Wi’a, including underage children. Children who pass tenth grade are transferred to Sawa for military training. 81

 

 

I. Information provided by stakeholders

 

B. Cooperation with human rights mechanisms

 

1. Cooperation with treaty bodies

 

10. AI stated that during the UPR in 2009, the Government of Eritrea accepted recommendations on cooperation with the UN Special Procedures and treaty bodies. However, no progress has been made on this front. 19

 

11. Joint Submission 1 (JS 1) stated that Eritrea acceded to the OP-CRC-AC in 2005, but was yet to submit its initial report.20

 

C. Implementation of international human rights obligations taking into account applicable international humanitarian law

 

2. Right to life, liberty and security of the person

 

22. Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children (GIEACPC) stated that corporal punishment was lawful and that recommendations made during the UPR in 2009 to prohibit corporal punishment was rejected by the Government of Eritrea.36 It stated, in relation to corporal punishment at home, that Article 64(b) of the Transitional Penal Code of Eritrea (TPCE) provided that “acts reasonably done in exercising the right of correction or discipline” were not punishable; article 548 punished cruelty to children under 15 but stated that “[t]he right to administer lawful and reasonable chastisement is not subject to this provision (Art. 64).”37

 

23. GIEACPC stated that with regard to corporal punishment in schools, a school code of conduct provided that corporal punishment should not be administered but there appeared to be no explicit prohibition in law. On the contrary, it was lawful under the “right of correction or discipline” in the TPCE.38 GIEACPC stated that the Penal Code 1957 stated in article 172 that young offenders may be caned, up to 12 strokes on the buttocks; that there appeared to be no explicit provision of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure in the penal system; and that corporal punishment was lawful in alternative care settings.39

 

24. SRI stated that all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) were prohibited by law.40 However, FGM remained a common practice amongst almost all ethnic and religious groups because of misconceptions over what was religious and what was cultural, as well as negative perceptions against women’s sexuality and bodily integrity. 41 It recommended the elimination of FGM through measures which included awareness-raising of the prohibition of the practice and the inclusion of relevant information in sexual and reproductive health education curriculums in schools.42

 

26. SRI stated that while early and forced marriages were prohibited by law, over the last few years, increases in cases of early and forced marriages have been observed.44 It called for the raising of awareness of the relevant law among the girls, their parents and the community at large.45 It also called for the establishment of multi-stakeholder committees by the Government of Eretria to advocate against this phenomenon.46

 

35. JS 1 stated that there was evidence to suggest that the age limits for military service were wilfully ignored and that children were recruited for military service.65 HRCE stated that there were substantial numbers of students under 18 years of age in camps performing military training. Students in Grade 12 in school were forced to go to military training camps where they underwent 6 months of military training. Also, under age children, including children as young as 11 years of age, who did not attend school were detained and sent to military camps such as Wia.66

 

36. AI stated that all schoolchildren were required to complete their final year of schooling (grade 12) at Sawa military training camp, where military training was conducted alongside schoolwork. This system effectively involved the conscription of children into the military. AI recommended that the Government of Eritrea bring an end to the policy of children undertaking their final year of school at Sawa military camp; and ensure that no-one under the age of 18 years is conscripted.67

 

5. Freedom of movement

 

41. JS 1 stated that “[e]xit visas”, including for the purposes of studying abroad, were routinely denied to men below the age of 54 years and women below the age of 47 years, as they were deemed to be of an age to undertake military service. Children from the age of 11 years were also denied such visas as they were deemed to be approaching the age for military service.73

 

9. Right to education

 

68. SRI stated that the Government of Eritrea has placed special emphasis on girls’ education by putting in place appropriate policies.113 However, factors in school, including inadequate educational facilities and materials, the distance between the girls’ homes and schools, and the shortage of female teachers negatively contributed to the enrolment of girls in the primary and junior levels.114 SRI recommended that the Government of Eritrea take measures which included the conducting of public awareness campaigns, and the awarding of financial or other incentives to parents to send their daughters to school.115

 

69. AI stated that the education in final year of school was of a poor quality with the emphasis significantly weighed towards military training, which was conducted alongside School work.116

 

70. EAJCW stated that Jehovah’s Witnesses could not receive a full secular education because students were required to register for military service, when registering for the 9 th grade in high school. Upon completion of the 11th grade, students were obliged to go to Sawa military camp to complete their 12th grade.